Shamli: A major cyber fraud network has been unearthed in western Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli, where unsuspecting victims were allegedly duped of crores of rupees in the name of trading investments. Two accused have been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to trace other members of the gang and the alleged kingpin. Initial investigation reveals that the network operated by routing money through multiple “mule accounts” to execute the fraud.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mayank alias Sunny and Vishal, both residents of the Kairana area. Police recovered ₹55,000 in cash from their possession. During interrogation, it emerged that the duo worked for the cyber gang on commission or fixed payments.
Fraud Initiated Through Telegram Links
Investigators found that the gang approached victims through Telegram and WhatsApp. They initially lured people with promises of high returns through trading and online gaming platforms. Victims were then sent a link directing them to a fake investment app or website.
Once a person registered on the platform, small “profits” were shown initially to build trust. This tactic encouraged victims to invest larger sums. However, once significant money was deposited, the platform would either shut down abruptly or block the user’s account, leaving victims with heavy losses.
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Money Routed via Mule Accounts
During questioning, the accused revealed that the defrauded money was not directly transferred to them. Instead, it was routed through multiple bank accounts, commonly known as “mule accounts.” These accounts typically belong to individuals who allow their bank details to be used in exchange for commission.
A person named Sadiq also surfaced during the probe, who allegedly provided his bank account to Mayank for commission. Through this account, transactions worth crores were carried out. So far, investigators have traced transactions exceeding ₹3 crore linked to the fraud.
Lead Emerged from NCRP Portal
The network came to light during scrutiny of suspicious bank accounts linked to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Data analysis helped authorities connect multiple fraudulent transactions, eventually leading them to the accused.
So far, at least five cyber fraud complaints from different parts of the country have been linked to this account, indicating that the operation was not limited to a single district but spread across multiple states.
Organized Network, Kingpin Absconding
Investigators suspect that the fraud was part of a larger organized network, with the main handler reportedly linked to Delhi. Efforts are underway to identify and track the kingpin’s location.
Sources indicate that the gang operated in a structured manner—some members were responsible for contacting and trapping victims, others arranged bank accounts, while a separate group handled the movement of funds across accounts to avoid detection.
Expert Warning: ‘Social Engineering’ at Play
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh warned that such scams heavily rely on “social engineering.” He explained,
“Fraudsters first build trust and then push victims to make quick financial decisions by offering unrealistically high returns. This psychological manipulation is the biggest weapon in cyber fraud.”
Further Action Underway
Interrogation of the arrested accused is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the network. More arrests are likely in the coming days. Efforts are also being made to identify and freeze additional mule accounts involved in the scam.
